Manchester City vs. Tottenham: Key Matchups to Watch

Carlos Tevez leads the line for Manchester City against Tottenham.Matthew Lewis/Getty Images

Manchester City must put on a better performance this week to make sure not to drop more points in the table, as Manchester United have climbed back to the top of the English Premier League mountain as of this past weekend.

The Citizens have struggled as of late since their first draw with Holland champions Ajax Amsterdam in the UEFA Champions League several weeks ago. Once again, this week the club managed to just get away with a point from the Netherlands club, as they continue to struggle to exert themselves on the European stage.

Tottenham, likewise, have had a frustrating run of results lately with their losses to Norwich in the Capital One Cup and then their defeat to Wigan Athletic over the weekend. However, a Jermaine Defoe hat trick in midweek will hopefully lift the club's spirits ahead of the coming match up with the defending champions.

Spurs will hope that their recent struggles in front of goal will be put behind them when they travel north to the Etihad Stadium. However, City will be hoping the same thing, as they have only scored three goals in their last three league games combined.

The results on the night are likely going to come from several key matchups that will be important throughout the game.

Jermaine Defoe vs. Vincent Kompany

The talented English forward will have his hands full battling against the big Belgian defender throughout the match. It will be important that Defoe gets support from his players behind him to help create space for the recently high scorer.

David Silva vs. Sandro

Spanish midfielder maestro David Silva is going to be a tough target to track for Spurs Sandro in the middle of the park. Without Scott Parker as the holding midfielder, Sandro has had to take on that responsibility.

Silva will twist, turn and pass his way through nearly any situation, and it will take the Brazilian to be on the top of his form to keep the playmaker from making the defense open up for Carlos Tevez.

Gareth Bale vs. Pablo Zabaleta

Welsh left winger Gareth Bale is most likely to line up the opposite of deputizing right-back Pablo Zabaleta. With the news that Micah Richards is going to be out for at least several more months, the once fringe player that almost looked set to leave now has his chance to shine.

Bale will be the key to building Spurs' offense down the left flank, and his runs will hopefully allow Jermaine Defoe and also possibly Clint Dempsey be able to utilize the space that Bale can create.

It is no doubt set to be a tough match for both sides and is sure to create much drama and excitement, as Andre Villas-Boas hunts for another major scalp in his opening season with the North London club.